Professor and internationally recognized scholar Kristen Renn has been named a Red Cedar Distinguished Professor. Since 2022, the distinction has recognized faculty who demonstrate exemplary scholarly achievement, teaching excellence and a clear alignment with MSU’s strategic research priorities — strengthening recruitment, recognition and retention of top academic talent across campus.

She will be recognized at the university investiture event held in Fall 2026.

Renn, a professor in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) program, has chaired over 40 doctoral dissertations, served on 95 dissertation committees and 92 doctoral guidance committees. She has been with the College of Education for 24 years. Renn’s research has driven equity initiatives in higher education for more than three decades.